(Family Features) Summertime entertaining should be easy and fun. And it can be - with some simple solutions and fresh recipes.

Start with Simple Recipes

• For this tropical dessert pizza, make the cookie crust the day before. Mix the filling and store it in an airtight plastic container, then cut up fruit and store in individual resealable plastic bags. Be creative and substitute your family's favorite fruits. Kids will have fun arranging the sliced fruit on this yummy dessert pizza!
• Three ingredients plus three minutes equals one tasty marinade. Let the kids help pour the ingredients into a resealable plastic bag to flavor juicy pork tenderloins with a subtly sweet, spicy marinade.
• The combination of crisp watermelon, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil with balsamic vinegar creates a fantastic and refreshing light salad. Just cut up ingredients and store in separate plastic containers, then toss together right before the party to keep the flavors fresh.

Simply Entertaining

• For picnics on damp ground, placing an inexpensive plastic tablecloth under a blanket helps keep dampness from reaching picnickers - and keeps your blanket cleaner, too.
• Wash, chop, measure and prepare your ingredients 1 to 2 days before an event or party. They can be stored in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers in the refrigerator to make putting together recipes much easier the day of the party.
• Save plastic grocery bags to send guests home with leftovers. Placing an empty plastic grocery bag in a picnic basket is also a great solution for collecting trash after a picnic in the park - it doesn't take up much room and will act as a waterproof barrier to prevent spills.
• Create a dipping station for barbeque and grill sauces using reusable plastic storage containers with lids. Guests can spoon sauces onto their plates; when the party is over, simply place the lids back on the sauces and store in the refrigerator. They come in all different shapes and sizes and even fun colors.
• Use resealable plastic bags for marinades. Put meat in the bags with marinade and refrigerate overnight. It helps save space in the refrigerator and clean up is easy. This also works for coating and breading.

For more tips on ways to make summer entertaining a breeze, visit www.PlasticsMakeitPossible.com.

Tropical Fruit Dessert Pizza

Makes 12 servings

• 1 18-ounce roll refrigerated ready-to-slice sugar cookie dough
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 8-ounce package fat-free cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange rind
• 1 cup fat-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 26-ounce jar mango slices, drained, or 2 fresh mangoes, sliced
• 1 16-ounce can pineapple slices, drained, or 1 fresh pineapple, sliced
• 1 11-ounce can mandarin orange segments, drained
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur or orange juice
• 2 tablespoons coconut, toasted, optional

1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. Press cookie dough into a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 12 minutes, cool completely.
3. In medium mixing bowl, blend together sugar, cream cheese, coconut extract until well mixed. Stir in orange rind and whipped topping, mixing until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture on top of cooled crust.
4. Arrange mango slices around edge of iced pizza. Then, arrange pineapple slices around edge. Next, arrange mandarin orange slices in another ring to fill center of pizza.
5. In small saucepan or in microwave, heat apricot preserves and orange liqueur just until melted. Spoon glaze over fruit. Sprinkle with toasted coconut, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Terrific Tidbit: Go ahead and grate more orange rind than you'll need for the recipe - you can grate a whole orange or lemon and freeze the rind in a plastic freezer bag until needed.

Watermelon and Tomato Salad

Makes 10 (1/2-cup) servings

• 4 cups scooped out watermelon balls or chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt to taste
• 1/3 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese, optional

1. In bowl, combine watermelon, onion, tomatoes and basil. Whisk together oil and vinegar and toss with salad. Season to taste. Refrigerate until serving.

3-Ingredient Marinade for Pork Tenderloin

Makes 6 to 8 servings

• 2 1-pound pork tenderloins, trimmed of excess fat
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup roasted garlic seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey

1. Preheat oven 350°F.
2. In bowl, combine all ingredients except tenderloins. Place meat in dish or large resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over meat. If time permits, refrigerate overnight, turning meat several times.
3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the tenderloin registers 160°F. Slice tenderloin, serve.

Quick Tip: Tenderloins come two to a package. If one will be enough for you to serve, halve recipe, freeze other tenderloin in freezable plastic bag.

Source: American Chemistry Council

(Family Features) If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, game night or TV show marathon with friends this summer, it’s helpful to have a plan in mind before diving in.

Consider these tips and recipes featuring Mrs. T’s Pierogies that can help make planning a breeze and allow you to kick back and enjoy the fun alongside your guests.

• Master the Music. Set the mood as soon as your guests walk in with an upbeat playlist.
• Add a Creative Twist to Your Menu. When you’re craving something real and satisfying – but want to keep things simple – reach for an option like Mrs. T’s Pierogies. Available in 16 varieties, including mini-size, these pasta shells, filled with creamy whipped potatoes, are loaded with flavor and perfect served alone or as part of creative recipes like a Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad. You can also grill them up like in this Mini Pierogy Slider Kebab recipe.
• Create Self-Serve Stations. Arrange a buffet-style table to allow your guests to help themselves to food. It’s a simple way to ensure you get to enjoy yourself. Just remember to provide the necessary fixings at each station.
• Bust Out Some Games. Whether it’s a game night or just a get-together with friends, keep games like cornhole or bocce ball on-hand to keep your soiree lively.

For more recipes perfect for entertaining, visit MrsTsPierogies.com.

Mini Pierogy Slider Kebabs

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1          box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1          pound ground beef
• 1 1/2    teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1          tablespoon minced red onion
• 4          deli slices Colby Jack cheese, quartered
• 4-6       skewers
• 14        pieces curly leaf lettuce
• 7          cherry tomatoes, halved
• 14        cornichon pickles

1. Heat grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat. Toss pierogies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove.
2. In medium bowl, combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper. Form into 14 equal sized patties.
3. Add patties to grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side. Add one slice of cheese to each during last minute of cooking to melt. Remove and cool slightly to handle.
4. To assemble: skewer one pierogy, flat-side down, then one piece of lettuce, tomato, pickle, burger and another pierogy, flat-side down, to sandwich it all together. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad

Prep time: 12 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies
• 1/2       cup white balsamic or cider vinegar
• 1          small garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          large tomato, coarsely chopped
• 1          medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped
• 1/4       cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 4          ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1. Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl.
2. In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.
3. Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.

Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

(Family Features) Big-game watch parties call for big-game snacks, but that doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or hours spent in the kitchen. Small bites and hearty dips made with real ingredients can be easy to prepare, and make an impressive spread that guests can enjoy from opening kickoff to the final whistle.  

To avoid the classic snacking fumble of having your guests’ chips crumbling in your dips, choose an option like Garden of Eatin’ Blue Tortilla Chips, the mother of all chips, made with organic whole blue corn kernels that are stone ground to perfection for thick, tasty and hearty chips that stand up to any dip.

To prepare for fellow viewers with other lifestyle or dietary needs, plan to offer snacks and dips that satisfy even the most finicky of fans. Prepare a double serving of guacamole and split it in two. Keep one as-is for an easy and healthy vegan option, and make BLT Guacamole with the rest.

Serve with Garden of Eatin’ Grain Free Cassava Chips, which are made with organic cassava, sunflower and chia seeds. Crafted to perfection, these gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo-approved chips provide a tasty touchdown for the whole team.

If you’re looking to bring the heat with bold taste and just enough spice in each bite, go for a warm option like Tex-Mex Enchilada Queso. To save time, you can assemble it a few hours before kickoff or even a day ahead of the game then bake just prior to guests arriving. An easy way to make this recipe stretch is to make a portion without meat so you have a vegetarian option as well.

Find more recipes to bring victory to your game-day spread at gardenofeatin.com.

BLT Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking

• 3          strips bacon
• 3          avocados, seeds removed
• 2          baby romaine lettuce leaves, halved and shredded
• 1          small red onion, finely chopped
• 2          tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1          lime, juiced
• 1          lemon, juiced
• 2          tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 2          tablespoons chives, chopped
• kosher salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• Garden of Eatin’ Grain-Free Cassava Chips

1. Cook bacon according to package instructions. Drain on paper towel and break into small pieces.
2. In medium bowl, roughly mash avocado. Add lettuce, onion, tomato and bacon. Stir lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro and chives into avocado. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tex-Mex Enchilada Queso

Recipe courtesy of Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 8          ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1          cup sour cream
• 1          tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1          teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
• 1          can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes in green chilies, drained
• 1          cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1          cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1          cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• chopped fresh cilantro
• chopped green onions
• Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, for serving

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Lightly coat deep, 9-inch skillet with cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, using hand mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt until smooth and well combined. Reduce speed to low then beat in enchilada sauce until incorporated. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and shredded chicken.
4. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes until dip is hot and cheese is bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onions.
5. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Source: Garden of Eatin’

(Family Features) Whether it’s a simple date night at home or a weeknight meal for the entire family, finding inter-culinary balance between everyone at the table can sometimes be difficult.

However, when at least one party is willing to make dietary changes to benefit a loved one, serving up quality meals can become less of a hassle. Though men are often stereotyped as carnivorous cavemen, the majority are willing to change their eating habits – trading in those porterhouses for veggie burgers – to make their partners happy, according to a survey from Yves Veggie Cuisine. While 63 percent of men and 62 percent of women would eat less meat if their partner asked, 59 percent of men said they would also eat less of their favorite foods, at the request of their significant other.

In the same survey, dietary changes in the name of love were found at every level of the food pyramid, not just meat. Among the changes men have already made are eating less meat (22 percent), eating less dairy (18 percent) and eating less gluten (15 percent). However, it was found that women tend to hold their ground more when it comes to giving up certain foods with only 14 percent eating less dairy, 10 percent eating less meat and 6 percent eating less gluten for the sake of their relationship.

Making dietary compromises can be as simple as using high-quality ingredients like Yves Veggie Cuisine Appetizer Bites to complement, complete or even reinvent family-favorite meals like tacos. The gluten-free, non-GMO bites are low in fat and contain no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, making it easy to put a plant-positive twist on nearly any meal with one of the two varieties – Kale and Quinoa or Falafel.

Find more balanced, veggie-forward recipes that can inspire shared moments together at yvesveggie.com.

Kale and Quinoa Bite Tacos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 8-10

• 1          package (8.2 ounces) Yves Veggie Cuisine Kale and Quinoa Bites
• 1          package hard taco shells (8-10 shells)
• 1          cup salsa
• 1          cup guacamole
• 1          red onion, sliced
• 1          bunch cilantro
• lime wedges

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. On nonstick baking pan, arrange kale and quinoa bites.
3. Bake 10 minutes, or until outside is slightly crispy. In taco shells, layer guacamole, salsa and kale and quinoa bites.
4. Top with sliced red onion and cilantro. For additional zest, serve with lime wedge.

Source:  Yves Veggie Cuisine

(Family Features) There’s not much that tastes better during the summer than a meal hot off the grill. If you’re in the mood for a delicious backyard dish, try adding versatility to your grilling game with a few simple tips.

Try a new cooking method. If your usual preparation involves a basic flame, you may be surprised by all the different flavors you can evoke just by changing the method. Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, switch from standard grilling to smoking over indirect heat. You can also use seasoned wood chips with most grilling methods to build a completely different flavor profile.

Look for non-traditional ways to use your favorite proteins. Instead of the traditional steak or chicken on a kabob, you can create a whole new flavor experience using smoked sausage. For example, Eckrich offers a variety of smoked sausage flavors in traditional ropes and bun-length links, all with just the right blend of seasonings for a rich, savory taste.

Explore new condiments and toppings. Ketchup, mustard and relish may be staples at the condiment station, but there’s no reason you can’t add a little something extra. Grilled onions, mushrooms and peppers are all simple and delicious ways to add flavor. Or try something entirely new, like this sweet, tangy marmalade made with bacon and onions.

Find more summer grilling ideas at Eckrich.com.

Smoked Sausage Links with Bacon and Onion Marmalade

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 2-3 strips bacon
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 6 onions) Vidalia onions, diced
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cane syrup
• 1 package Eckrich Smoked Sausage Links (bun-length)
• 6 hot dog buns

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lay strips of bacon flat. Cook until crispy, about 20-25 minutes. Chop bacon into small pieces and set aside.
3. In dry pot over medium heat, toast mustard seeds until slightly browned.
4. Add bacon, vinegar, onions, brown sugar and cane syrup to pot. Cover, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Cook about 20 minutes at medium-high heat. Remove pot cover and reduce to medium heat. Cook until liquid is reduced and onions are dark in color, about 50 minutes.
5. Oil grill and bring to medium heat. Grill sausage 12 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Place smoked sausage in hot dog bun and cover evenly with marmalade.

Note: Marmalade can be made in advance for easier dinner preparation and can be kept up to 2 weeks in a refrigerator or 3 months in a freezer.

Grilled Kabobs with Smoked Sausage and Veggies

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

• 6 wooden skewers
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 package Eckrich Original Smoked Sausage (rope)
• 1 medium zucchini
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 2 large yellow bell peppers
• 1 large red onion

1. Soak skewers in water 1 hour. Spray grill and heat to medium.
2. Cut smoked sausage diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Slice zucchini, bell peppers and onion into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Thread smoked sausage, peppers, zucchini and onion onto skewers.
4. Grill kabobs until smoked sausage is hot and vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Source: Eckrich

(Family Features) The days are getting longer and hotter and you’re itching to head outside to kick off grilling season. After a few weeks of eating the same boring burgers and hot dogs, you’re looking for something a little more exciting (and so are your guests). These recipes can help take your grilling skills to the next level and make your next party something to brag about.

When people come over for Buffalo chicken, they expect authentic flavor, so give the people what they want by making Buffalo chicken sandwiches with Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce. Frank’s RedHot was the secret ingredient used in the original Buffalo wings recipe in 1964.

For maximum flavor, each Buffalo chicken sandwich gets a quarter of the bottle of sauce to bring in just the right blend of flavor and heat. Take it to the next level by marinating the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes so it can absorb the unmistakable Buffalo flavor that will send any party into overdrive. Add the tangy blue cheese and cool, crisp lettuce and tomato and you’ve got the perfect bite for a hot summer day.

Now that you’ve proved your grilling chops to most of the party crew, it’s time to kick it up a notch. Every party’s got a few tough critics, so it’s key to make something impressive and delicious that appeals to a different palate. Enter: Sweet Chili Ribs.

Start with two full racks of pork spareribs then load them up with Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, garlic and ginger, making sure to spread that mixture all over the ribs. Grill them low and slow for 2 hours then pour another half-bottle of sauce over top for good measure and grill for another hour. After your guests have a chance to taste these sweet and tangy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, they’ll talk about them all summer long.

For more grilling tips and recipes, visit franksredhot.com/recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (if thick, cut horizontally into two even pieces)
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, divided
• 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
• 4 hard rolls, split
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• lettuce leaves (optional)
• tomato slices (optional)
• red onion rings (optional)

1. Marinate chicken in 6 ounces Buffalo wings sauce for 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
2. Mix remainder of Buffalo wings sauce and dressing together. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
3. Grill chicken 12 minutes, turning once, or until no longer pink in center.
4. Place 2 tablespoons of mixed sauce on each roll half. Place chicken on top of roll half and top with 1 tablespoon blue cheese crumbles.
5. Add lettuce, tomato and onion rings, if desired. Top with second roll half. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.

Sweet Chili Ribs

• 2 full racks pork spareribs, trimmed (about 6 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided

1. Heat grill to 250° F and prepare for indirect cooking.
2. Spread ribs with ginger and garlic. Place ribs on rib rack or in foil pan. Cook on covered grill 2 hours.
3. Spread 6 ounces sweet chili sauce evenly over ribs then cook another hour, until tender.
4. Baste ribs with remaining sweet chili sauce during last 15 minutes of cooking. If desired, at end of cooking time grill ribs over direct heat to char slightly.

Source: Frank's Red Hot

(Family Features) A tortilla plus a tasty filling makes a household favorite – a taco. This simple, casual, versatile, fun food knows no boundaries. Tacos can be right for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks and dessert, depending on the filling.

For tacos with a unique, delicious twist on tradition, try these Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa that are ready in 30 minutes. The antioxidant-rich Aunt Nellie’s Pickled Beets lend color, as well as a refreshing sweet-tangy flavor that’s complementary to the lime juice, cilantro and red onion in the salsa. This sassy salsa is a perfect partner for rotisserie, roasted or grilled chicken, arugula and a dollop of jalapeno mustard-sour cream sauce nestled inside a soft flour tortilla.

For your taco fiesta, just set out the tortillas, salsa and other toppings and let everyone help themselves to a fun and delicious dinner.

For other versatile recipes, visit AuntNellies.com.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Pickled Beet Salsa

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Salsa:

• 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Tacos:

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno mustard
• 4 soft flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken (hot or cold)
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

1. To make salsa: drain beets and chop. In medium bowl, combine beets, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper.
2. To make tacos: In small bowl, stir together sour cream and mustard; set aside.
3. On one half of each tortilla, place equal amounts of salsa, arugula, chicken and cheese. Top with dollops of mustard-sour cream. Fold over.

Substitution: Sliced pickled beets or three single-serve cups of Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets may be substituted for baby whole pickled beets.

Nutritional information per serving: 380 calories; 20 g protein; 28 g carbohydrates; 20 g total fat; 650 mg sodium; 80 mg cholesterol; 1 g dietary fiber; 2 mg iron; 0.15 mg thiamin;
460 IU vitamin A; 4 mg vitamin C.

Source: Aunt Nellie's

Fresh ideas for a fun fiesta menu

(Family Features) There’s no better way to spice up a party than by using unexpected ingredients in fun, flavorful dishes and drinks. For your next fiesta, celebrate a star of the party with sweet and juicy watermelon.

Not only does versatile watermelon lend a unique taste to your menu, it’s a healthy ingredient that provides natural hydration with 92 percent water content, along with the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.

These recipes show how, with a little creative carving, you can use the whole melon, including flesh, juice and rind, for big value and zero waste.

Find more fiesta-ready recipes at watermelon.org.

Cactus Carving

• Medium-large oval or oblong watermelon (seeded or seedless)
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Dry erase marker
• Kitchen knife
• Scoop
• Cactus cookie cutter
• Small flower cookie cutters
• Toothpicks
• Fire and Ice Salsa (recipe below)

Wash watermelon under cool, running water and pat dry.

On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and cut off 1/4 inch-1/2 inch from stem end; this will provide a sturdy base. Reserve end piece to make into small cactus.

Stand watermelon upright on base. Use dry erase marker to draw simple outline of cactus shape.

One-third up from bottom of watermelon, draw straight line around back, being careful not to go through cactus outline; this will create a serving bowl for watermelon salsa.

Use kitchen knife to cut around outline, leaving just bowl with cactus attached. Scoop out base to form bowl.

From pieces of watermelon that were cut away, use cookie cutters to make cactus pieces and flower pieces to decorate with, and chop remaining watermelon to make watermelon salsa and watermelon margaritas, or juice.

Attach toothpicks randomly around cactus to make thorns and decorate with watermelon flowers. Decorate bottom rind scrap with toothpicks to resemble short, round cactus.

Fill bowl with Fire and Ice Salsa and serve with tortilla chips.

Fire and Ice Salsa

Makes: 3 cups

• 3 cups seeded and finely chopped watermelon
• 1/2 cup finely diced green peppers
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely sliced green onion
• 1-2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeno peppers

1. Combine ingredients; mix well and cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Nachos with Watermelon Avocado Salsa

Makes: 8 servings

• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 1/2 cups diced watermelon
• 16 ounces fat-free refried beans
• 11 ounces corn tortilla chips
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. To make salsa: In medium bowl, combine avocado, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chilies and red onion; toss to thoroughly mix. Add watermelon and toss gently. Set aside.
3. Over medium heat, heat beans until hot. Mash if preferred.
4. Place chips on flat, oven-proof plate or cookie sheet and top with beans and cheese. Repeat layers as desired. Heat in oven 10 minutes, or until cheese has melted and chips are hot.
5. Top with salsa mixture and sour cream.

Tip: Reserve some salsa to place in bowl for dipping.

Blended Watermelon Margarita

Makes: 2 margaritas

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and frozen
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 ounces silver tequila
• 1 1/2 ounces lime juice
• 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
• pinch of salt
• lime slices, for garnish

1. In blender, combine watermelon, water, tequila, lime juice, elderflower liqueur and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into two chilled margarita glasses and garnish with lime slices.

Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks

Makes: 2 margaritas

Watermelon Simple Syrup:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup sugar

Watermelon Juice:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup water

Margarita:

• lime wedges
• coarse salt
• ice
• 4 ounces silver tequila
• 4 ounces watermelon juice
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 1 ounce watermelon simple syrup

1. To make watermelon simple syrup: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine watermelon and sugar. Use potato masher to mash watermelon and sugar together, pushing out liquid and dissolving sugar. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour mixture through fine mesh sieve set over bowl or jar, pressing watermelon to extract all liquid. Set aside to cool completely.
2. To make watermelon juice: In blender, combine watermelon and water. Blend until smooth then pour through fine mesh sieve set over bowl or jar.
3. To assemble margaritas: use lime wedge to line rims of two glasses with juice. Dip glasses in coarse salt and carefully fill glasses with ice.
4. Combine tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice and simple syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds, and pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

(Family Features) Chicken is one of America’s favorite foods, so much so that every American ate an average of 84 pounds last year. Although it’s a great go-to ingredient for a family dinner, it’s easy to get tired of the same old chicken recipes. To help combat chicken fatigue, Hellmann’s® mayonnaise has teamed up with Chef Tim Love to launch the “Chicken Change-Up,” offering simple and family-friendly recipe ideas, tips and tricks to help inspire parents when preparing the nightly meal.

“Chicken dishes are a staple in my household,” says celebrity chef, dad and author Tim Love. “I’m always looking for inspiration to create different types of chicken recipes and — no matter the dish — Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise made with simple ingredients like oil, vinegar and 30 percent cage-free eggs, is my secret for keeping chicken juicy and crispy.”
Whatever your dinnertime challenge, with recipes such as Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Baked Buffalo Chicken, Hellmann’s® can transform your chicken into a juicier, crispier, more delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Visit www.Facebook.com/Hellmanns to participate in the Chicken Change-Up, where you can find more dinnertime recipes, tips and tricks.

Parmesan-Crusted Bruschetta Chicken

4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

• 1/3 cup Hellmann’s® mayonnaise dressing with Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• 4 teaspoons plain dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup Wish-Bone Robusto Italian Dressing or Wish-Bone Italian Dressing

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl.
3. Arrange chicken on baking sheet. Evenly top with mayonnaise mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.
4. Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl.
6. To serve, evenly top chicken with bruschetta mixture.

Tip: Also terrific with Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Light or Real Mayonnaise.

Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 290, Calories From Fat 140, Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 16g, Cholesterol 80mg, Sodium 550mg, Total Carbohydrate 8g, Sugars 4g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 27g, Vitamin A 10%, Calcium 5%, Iron 6%

Baked Buffalo Chicken

4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

• 1/2 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 pounds), cut into strips

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Combine mayonnaise and cayenne pepper in small bowl; reserve 1/2 for dipping.
3. Combine breadcrumbs with parsley. Coat chicken with remaining mayonnaise mixture, then coat with bread crumbs. Arrange chicken on baking sheet.
4. Bake chicken 12 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Serve with reserved dipping sauce.

Tip: For a fun twist, serve cooked chicken strips on wooden skewers. Also terrific with Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Canola Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise.

Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 450, Calories From Fat 210, Saturated Fat 3.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 23g, Cholesterol 95mg, Sodium 510mg, Total Carbohydrate 20g, Sugars 1g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 37g, Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 6%, Iron 15%

Chicken Nuggets with BBQ Sauce

4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

• 3/4 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), cut into nuggets
• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine mayonnaise, barbecue sauce and mustard in small bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup sauce; set aside.
3. Evenly coat chicken with sauce, then bread crumbs. Arrange chicken on baking sheet.
4. Bake 15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 570, Calories From Fat 320, Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 35g, Cholesterol 125mg, Sodium 1210mg, Total Carbohydrate 24g, Sugars 10g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 39g, Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 4%, Iron 8%

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

• 1/2 cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl. Arrange chicken on baking sheet. Evenly top with mayonnaise mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumbs.
3. Bake 20 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Timesaving Tip: Try making this dish with thin-cut boneless skinless chicken breasts. Prepare as above, decreasing bake time to 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 370, Calories From Fat 210, Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 23g, Cholesterol 100mg, Sodium 390mg, Total Carbohydrate 2g, Sugars 1g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 35g, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 2%, Calcium 8%, Iron 6%

Source: Hellman's